In reference to the debate held recently in UK parliament, I would like to remind you of the Kashmir debate that took place in 2014. You will recall that there were an equal number of contributors on both sides of arguments, making it a fairer debate. This time it was 27 MPs for the motion and 2 opposing it.
I am forced to question the very passion and interest of the Indian diaspora in human rights issues and their discussion in the UK Parliament, especially those that are aimed at vilifying India. I am deeply concerned at the lack of any political lobby in defence of India in the UK eventhough there are numerous organisations, facebook groups representing the direct interests of India and Indian diaspora. 70,000 people gathered at Wembley stadium to welcome the beloved PM Modi and a few thousand could gather again at Wembley to protest against the ban on traditional bull fight in Tamil Nadu, but none in sight to defend India in the UK Parliament against partial representation of facts by propagandists? The various political parties especially Labour, Conservatives and Lib Dems who have Friends of India groups were silent - none of their members came to speak in defence of India. Not even a statement has been issued by their respective Chairmen in defence of India. Fortunately a statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs came in a timely manner – this too was not shared by any of the Friends of India groups’ facebook groups! I personally wrote to a number of MPs requesting them to speak in the debate which was otherwise one sided - I am yet to hear back!
In a relentless effort to carry on my efforts to reach out to each of you I have launched a social action project - #WeCare4India which attempts to help each of you learn the basics of lobbying your own MP and demanding your constitutional rights. When you get into the habit of engaging with the political system the debates such as the one in question will always have your representation. Knowledge is power, remember?
International lobbying is not always aimed at direct intervention and helping in resolution of regional issues, it never the less plays a very strong role in building the right or wrong narrative and global discourse. The impact of such an effort to alter the narrative cannot be undermined.
As pointed out by a young lady in her discussion with me recently, "there are only two basis of all inaction - first, Someone else will do it, its not my job; and second, bad things won’t happen to me." How true!
Lakshmi Kaul
Via Email
